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LAITY ACADEMY – FALL 2025:
NORTH CENTRAL RIVERS DISTRICT
THREE CLASSES
The North Central Rivers Laity Academy is for all laity interested in growing in their faith journey. Both basic and advanced classes are available for those who need recertification or want to begin the Lay Servant process. HOWEVER, participants do not have to be a lay speaker or lay servant to take courses. All laity are welcome! (Note: Pastors may attend classes as well and will receive CEUs.)
Cost per Course: $35.00 (plus the purchase of your own books*)
Pre-registration is required. Three ways to register:
1. Go to sign-up at: (and mail a check)
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/2025LayClassesFall
Scan and e-mail registration to northcentralrivers.org (and mail a check)
2. Check the class you are registering for on the form, fill out the information below and send registration and payment to:
North Central Rivers District Office UMC
40 Knob Hill Road
Trucksville, PA 18708
(Check made payable to: SUSUMC)
Registration is not complete until payment is received.
O I would appreciate a scholarship for class payment.
Name: ________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________
______________________________________
Best Phone: __________________________________
E-Mail Address: _________________________________
Home Church: __________________________________
* Required books are listed with each class. Please indicate the following:
O I will purchase my own book(s).
O I would appreciate some financial help to purchase a book and will send the receipt to the NCR District office to be reimbursed.
REGISTRATIONS DUE BY OCTOBER 9, 2025
O Introduction to Luke
Thursdays, October 16, 30, November 6 and 13 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Mifflinville UMC or via: Zoom
Instructor: Rev. James Hollister, Pastor Shavertown UMC
We’ll take a look at the Gospel of Luke. While we won’t be able to look at the whole Gospel in depth, we’ll focus on these questions: What does the text say? Why is that important? How do we live that out in our lives today?
You are encouraged to bring your Bibles, any tools that you might use to dig deeper, your questions and perspectives.
Required Books: Bible (in your favorite translation)
Optional Recommended Texts: Commentary on Luke (e.g. Luke: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, by Fred Craddock; Luke: The NIV Application Commentary, by David E. Garland; The Gospel of Luke: The Daily Study Bible, by William Barclay, and/or other commentary (ies) of your choice)
O Beginning to Preach God’s Word for All
Thursday Evenings, October 23, 30, Nov. 6, 13, and 20
from 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Location: Shavertown UMC (in person)
Instructor: Pastor Eric Luczak, Court Street and Embury
Be ready to preach God’s word in any situation. This course is for all who want to preach at their church or beyond. Class required also to be a Lay Servant or Certified Lay Speaker. Or preach in other ministry situations. All are welcome to take this class. At least 6 are needed to be enrolled for the class to run.
Two Required Books: Called to Preach-From Pew to Pulpit: A Beginners Guide To Preaching, Clifton F. Guthrie
From Your Heart to Theirs, Participants Guide: Delivering an Effective Sermon Paperback-January 1, 2008 by David Carroll
O Basic Lay Speaking
Tuesday Evenings, October 14, 21, 28, November 11 and 18
from 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: via Zoom
Instructors: Jane O’Connell, Certified Lay Servants
The basic course encourages people to recognize and use their spiritual gifts for the work of the church. Lay Servant Ministries offer people a variety of opportunity to serve God and neighbor. Lay Servant ministries include teaching, guiding, reaching out to others and other ways to demonstrate and proclaim the love of God in Jesus Christ.
Required Books: Lay Servants Ministry Basic Course; Bible
https://store.upperroom.org/product/lay-servant-ministries-basic-course-participant-s-book
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